Urine Halides by Doctors Data

Urine Halides by Doctors Data is a comprehensive assessment of iodine as an essential element required for normal function of the thyroid gland, immune system, and the integrity of thyroid and breast tissue. Sub-optimal total body iodine status is associated with insufficient intake of the essential element and excessive intake of the highly antagonistic halides; bromide and fluoride. Iodine sufficiency and the retention of antagonistic bromide and fluoride can be readily assessed by analyses of iodine, bromine and fluoride in urine after administration of a loading dose of iodide/iodine.

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Lab order is provided by us.

You receive a collection kit for saliva, urine, or finger stick to collect at home and mail to the lab. Some tests require a blood draw at a local lab.

You receive the results by email within 2-3 weeks.

Got insurance? Some tests are covered. Call 800 385-7863 for more information.

Practitioner phone consultations available, some included with test.

Specific tissues in the body require adequate iodine and the reduced form of the element, iodide for normal metabolism and optimal health. Adequate iodide uptake and organification of iodine by the thyroid gland is required for the production, storage and release of thyroid hormones. Triiodothyronine (T 3 ) regulates metabolism in several tissues by affecting energy production and neuronal and sexual development. Iodine insufficiency is associated with “sub-clinical” thyroid deficiency, weight gain, loss of energy, goiter and impaired mental function. Iodine is also concentrated in breast tissue where it elicits anti-proliferative effects and protection against fibrocystic breast disease and cancer. Iodine and organic iodine compounds are also concentrated and secreted by the gastric mucosa, salivary glands and the cervix.

Iodine status and metabolism is affected not only by iodine intake, which has decreased significantly, but also by intake and retention of goitrogenic halides (bromide and fluoride). Iodide uptake by specific cells is mediated by an energy-dependent sodium/iodide symporter (NIS). Bromide and fluoride are non-essential, toxic halides that avidly compete with iodide for the NIS. Excessive intake of the antagonistic halides can accumulate in tissues, displace iodine and compromise the production of thyroid hormones and the integrity of the thyroid and mammary glands. Antagonistic bromide is abundant in commercially produced baked goods, soft drinks, pesticides, brominated chemicals and some medications. Primary sources of fluoride include fluoridated water, beverages, toothpaste, mouthwashes and some medications.

The Urine Halides test provides comprehensive assessment of iodine sufficiency and retention of antagonistic halides in a single test. The test requires a spot urine specimen (first morning void preferred) for determination of baseline halide levels. An oral loading dose of iodine/iodide is ingested and all urine is collected for the subsequent 24 hours. Iodine and displaced bromide and fluoride are measured in the urine and the results for each element are reported as ug/gm creatinine and ug/24 hours. Iodine status is assessed by evaluation of the percentage of the ingested dose that is excreted. Low iodine excretion is suggestive of greater bodily retention and need.

The specific halides are analyzed in urine using the most accurate methodology available for each element. Iodine and bromine are measured by ICP-MS under conditions that convert all iodide and bromide to the respective halogens (oxidized). Urinary fluoride is most accurately measured using an ion specific electrode.

Our functional medicine approach involves identifying core imbalances which affect the brain and body network. We realize that there is no separating the brain and the body. What affects the body affects your brain.